bow meaning and definition

BOW noun

Definition of bow (noun)

1. a knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
   • synonyms: bowknot
2. a slightly curved piece of resilient wood with taut horsehair strands; used in playing certain stringed instruments
3. front part of a vessel or aircraft
   • "he pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line"
   • synonyms: fore, prow, stem
4. a weapon for shooting arrows, composed of a curved piece of resilient wood with a taut cord to propel the arrow
5. something curved in shape
   • synonyms: arc
6. bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
   • synonyms: bowing, obeisance
7. an appearance by actors or performers at the end of the concert or play in order to acknowledge the applause of the audience
   • synonyms: curtain call
8. a decorative interlacing of ribbons
9. a stroke with a curved piece of wood with taut horsehair strands that is used in playing stringed instruments

BOW verb

Definition of bow (verb)

1. bend one's knee or body, or lower one's head
   • "He bowed before the King"; "She bowed her head in shame"
   • synonyms: bow down
2. yield to another's wish or opinion
   • "The government bowed to the military pressure"
   • synonyms: accede, defer, give in, submit
3. bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting
   • "He bowed before the King"
4. bend one's back forward from the waist on down
   • "he crouched down"; "She bowed before the Queen"; "The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse"
   • synonyms: bend, crouch, stoop
5. play on a string instrument with a bow